​​​GALVESTON - The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston is set to open its new Jennie Sealy Hospital following a nearly four-year construction period of the 765,000-sf hospital.

The health system, which is the largest employer on the island, celebrated the completion of the project with a dedication ceremony on February 26.

It will begin accepting patients in April.

The $438 million Jennie Sealy Hospital sits directly next to John Sealy Hospital on the UTMB campus, which was built in 2008 and was a large portion of the $1.79 billion worth of projects UTMB began after Hurricane Ike.

The Jennie Sealy Hospital, which is 25 feet above sea level in order to avoid significant damage in the event of another storm, has 310 patient beds, 60 intensive care units, 20 operating suites and 28-day operating rooms.

The patient rooms are 285 sf and include a sofa bed for overnight visitors, as well as several other modern hospital design features.

In addition, the hospital has the option to expand for future need.

The sixth floor has more than 110,000 sf of shell space to expand its diagnostic services and patient rooms.